The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-07-02

| at the Vlcarage 10 ask LOT thai ciencA-"Oth
pattern? Dear, mo- the field path was SO
sunny-one would be scorched to death. Of
course, then, since there was positively no
other way, it must be the moat-road. If only
| had dog to take as a reason for my prone
made But my aunt detested dogs, and never
allowed one about the place. Besides. what
nonsense of course | should meet no one.
| And so / started determinedly down to the
bridges.
| think have said before that the manor
house was far from the highway. A long
private road, not much more modern than the
Inoats, led through deep banks on either side,
varied by gloomy bit of wood; for some
three. quarters of mile from the Warnchest-
er Road, to our very door. There were no
lodges, no gates, no means of excluding the
outside public; indeed, there was no one to
exclude A steep decline led abruptly down
to the moats, with their venerable masonry,
and their wild tangle of rushes and waterweed,
varied by water lilies here and there. The
third or outer moat was really fed by little
river, which foamed over a weir just beyond
the bridge, and vanished at turn OF the
wood below This little stream was famous
for its fishing, which my uncle, who did moth
ing in that line himself, always courteousy
placed at the disposal of the variously regi-
mental messes in Manchester.
As strolled down the descent to this ely
SUM of the Manchester garrison l became
aware of curious machine which stood under
the trees by the roadside; a thing with two
| large wheels and small one, saddle curl
ously hung among them, and some extraordi
nary looking handles here and there. Wilt
| be credited that this was my very first view of
a tricycle.? The o-wheeled species | was
familiar with with that familiarity which is
| first cousin to contempt), but | had actually
/ 1afa modification Mar bv
on the grass, there lay fishing basket; and
as | stopped to gaze with awe and wonder at
this intricate composition of bars and wheels
a tall young man, in gray knickerbockers and
jacket, rod in hand, leaped over the fence and
alighted directly before me. | have pretty
steady nerves-possibly inherited from Ger
vase of dusky memory-so L did not start
Also, even in that moment of surprise, | am
glad to think / remembered my aunt's in
| structions, and did not bow. | held out my
handi instead.
Even while it still lay in his, had time to
think how much more becoming even than
evening dress was morning costume of gray,
and how the shade of gray cloth hat threw
into relief pair of dancing blue eyes. | felt
myself hoping he would not think had come
on purpose, and then blushed with shame at
my own baseness, because knew really had.
| He was asking how | was, after last nights
fatigues, and laughing, and remarking on the
loveliness of the day, all in breath, while
| felt as if were conscious of nothing but the
white Devoniensis rosebud, which, somewhat
the worse for wear, hung its listless head
| from his buttonhole. / had chosen him the
very freshest from my bouquet last night, and
hadn't an idea it would have faded so soon!
"Yes, indeed; it's delicious day ~ as
sented, and them as a thought flashed through
/ mind / l0OEe1 nm N
wonder. "But surely it's too bright for fish
ing!" 1 said.
Mr.. Smith actually Redeemed. He was evil
IDENTIFY unused to deceit, and it sat i'll on him.
swell, yes, certainly; it's rather sunny"
he admitted, trying to look as if the idea had
just struck him, and failing signally. "But
then, you know, it may cloud over.'
''0f course it mayl' with fervor.
''But hope it won't"
aspiration for so devoted fisherman" de-
murely.
'How do you know I'm devoted ~
s'Because even the most crushing disadvant-
age can't keep you from your sport.
/ glanced up to make this willy remark, and
our eyes met. We tried hard to keep grave,
but it wasn't the least use, and after mo-
ment's struggle we gave it up. We were in
finitely better friends after that laugh.
"And is that your tricycle. ~ | asked de-
sirous to make amends for my mistake of the
night before. II never saw one before, 1t
looks very innocent"
eyes, it's devoid of vice. He had n
wicked little twinkle in his eye, but suppose
he was warned by previous experince,. so re,
Trained from further teasing, for which /
honored him. "Come and look at it.
So l went.
Sand so that's what they call a Humber"
remarked sagely, after it had been explain.
ed to me-principles, and construction, and
manner of use-with as much thoroughness
as if it had been new torpedo and | a Wool
wich cadet. "What an odd name! What does
it mean?'
Mr.. Smith looked conscious again. Be-
yond doubt he was not hardened in sin.
"Wel, no." he admitted. ''This isn't q
Humber; it's 'Salvo,' In fact, believe"
''But you told me yours was Humber"
demonstrated, with wide open eyes. ~ re-
member particularly, because it was like a
river, and l wondered at the time"
'sYe; but this isn't my own. / borrowed
another day You know''-with airy care
lessness-'one likes change sometimes"
O Cha Mr.. Smith, mean-you were
not new to deceit after all l never found
out your subtlety till long, long, after when l
discovered that your Humber was q ma
chine not suited to lady's use
"Won't you try how easy it is?' was his
next iniquitous proposition.
"Oh!n | shrank back in alarm. 81
don't think could There's no place to sit ~
"Oh yes, there is. You've no idea how
comfortable the saddle is Our colonels
wife always rides machine just like this"
'sBut--but-how shall get up?''
'sThis way"
Revered propriety of my aunt He had
lifted me as he spoke, and placed me on that
apology for saddle swinging in mid air.
He watched my face anxionsly. ! think !
looked grave for minute know blushed
but the next moment shook off my last
expiring scruple, and desperately considered
that as had burnt my boats, at least would
enjoy myself by way of compensation. Be-
sides, after all, what right had aunt to treat
me like child? | was under no real au-
thority.
'sPut your feet on the treadles-so. Now,
gently-gently. I'll do the atearing.i
There was not another word spoken as |
began to glide along the smooth road-at first
slowly and hesitatingly then faster and
faster, while Mr.. Smith had to run beside me
to keep his hand on the steering rod, till we
came to a standstill, within sight of the Warn
chester High Road. Then drew long sigh
of intense bliss.
Hlts heaVepn' l said, as my companion
turned the machine and headed il back ta-
wards home. "I3ut want 10 do my own
Steering and / was off again-so fast this
time that Mr.. Smiths long legs had to exert
themselves to keep up with me.
sOhl'' / murmured, breathless but happy
as we stopped once more by the old gray
bridge. fstt's the very most delicious thing !
ever tried No wonder you like it better
than anything else in the world ~
"But don'tl'' he said. 81 like several
things ever so much better. Fishing in Cop
ford River, for instance, or dancing at Warn
chester balls-or-but L II tell you that another
day."
'Tndeed, you will,'' l declared, getting
down abruptly from the tricycle., lest he should
assist my movements as he did before:
.'That is, if you ever tell me at all. Halt
past four, and tea-time, l must just run home.
Good-by, and thank you, oh SO much, for a
most lovely ride" And ALMOST ran Np fhs
little hill to the bowling green.
Well, it had all been very pleasant-too
pleasant to be right. knew had outraged
every prejudice and precept of my, Aunt
Alicia, and felt that, harmless though 1t all
was in itself, ! ought not to indulge in suos
| ,+oJo,, love rrh.Ia var.a;na undar her roof.